Geriatric PK Flashcards
Why are older adults a special population?
health:
-heterogenous population
-aging process is unpredictable
-multiple simultaneous disease states
-chronic illness
changing demographics:
-population composition, institutionalization
epidemiology of drug use in the older adult:
-polypharmacy
-underuse of potentially beneficial therapy
drug effect:
-3 to 10 fold greater ADRs
available PK/PD information:
-evidence based for prescribing in older adults is limited
-clinical studies not representative of older adult population
What do age-related changes in organ function impact?
alters drug PK and PD resulting in alterations in pharmacological response
True or false: physiological aging correlates with chronological aging
false
physiological aging does not necessarily correlate with chronological aging
Are age-related changes themselves enough to compromise normal function?
age-related changes in-of-themselves are often not sufficient to compromise normal function
-however with underlying pathological conditions (e.g. HF, renal decline). such age-related changes may have significant consequences on PK/PD
What are the changes in body composition with aging?
decreased total body water; decreased ICF volume
decreased lean body mass and increased body mass
no change or decrease in serum albumin
no change or increase in serum AAG
What are the cardiovascular changes with aging?
decreased myocardial sensitivity to B-adrenergic stimulation
decreased baroreceptor activity
decrease CO; decreased resting HR
increased systemic vascular resistance; increased SBP
What are the CNS changes with aging?
decreased weight and volume of the brain
decreased cerebral blood flow
increased BBB permeability
alterations in cognition
What are the endocrine system changes with aging?
thyroid gland atrophy
menopause
decrease testosterone
increased incidence of diabetes and thyroid disease
What are the fluid/electrolyte changes with aging?
increased electrolyte abnormalities
What are the GI system changes with aging?
no change or sometimes increased gastric pH
delayed gastric emptying
decreased splanchnic blood flow; decreased intestinal rate
decreased absorptive surface (mucosal atrophy)
no change passive intestinal permeability; decreased active nutrient transport
What are the GU system changes with aging?
increased incidence of UI
What are the immune system changes with aging?
decreased cell-mediated immunity
What are the liver changes with aging?
decreased liver size and number of hepatocytes
decreased liver blood flow
? oxidative and conjugative metabolism
What are the MSK changes with aging?
increased cartilage breakdown in joints
increased bone porosity; decreased BMD
decreased muscle size and mass; decreased peripheral neurons
What are the nutrition changes with aging?
possible protein energy malnutrition
increased anorexia and micronutrient deficiences